Research proves: cake therapy reduces stress
Some people pull out their eyelashes when stressed, others turn to alcohol and drugs or take their tension out on their loved ones. None of these are effective ways to deal with pressure. What does work: baking. Research shows that people experience less stress when they regularly bake pies, cakes or cookies. How does that work?
Everyone is experiencing stress around the coronavirus. The Red Cross helpline is ringing off the hook, and psychologists and psychiatrists are receiving many questions about how people should cope with depression, panic and severe stress. Conclusions from a study conducted five years ago by Cake Angels may offer a glimmer of hope. What helps against stress? Baking!
Grab your mixing bowl
In the study, a group of home bakers was interviewed. A large majority, no less than 80 percent, said they had experienced less stress since they started baking. The research also showed that more people started baking in places and at times when stress in society was high. Apparently, plenty of people grab their mixing bowl when everything becomes too much for them. John Waite, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2012, says: “I notice that baking calms me down. That surprised me, because during that competition it really isn’t relaxing. It’s nice to know that something as simple as baking a cake is so good for your emotions.”
Creative process
How does that work, exactly? According to Boston University, it is because baking is a creative process. All your attention goes into weighing the ingredients precisely. If you don’t do everything in the right order, the cupcakes won’t rise, the caramel will burn and the chocolate cake won’t come out of the tin properly. When you have to follow a recipe, there is no room left for panicked thoughts. There is even an official form of cake therapy: a type of group therapy in which people bake together and talk about what it brings up for them.
Apple pie saves the world
Another reason baking is good for you: you can share the pies and cookies with other people. Everyone loves homemade apple pie, and doing something kind for someone else is a huge mood booster. And you can safely bring a pie to the neighbors, because according to the RIVM, the coronavirus cannot be transmitted through food.
